Tri-County Economic Development District Leader Retires

For 57 years, the Tri-County Economic Development District (TEDD) has been providing programs and services to communities and businesses to develop economic growth in Stevens, Ferry, and Pend Oreille counties. For the past nine years, Jeff Koffel has served as the executive director of TEDD, leading the team in its endeavors to “develop a stable and diverse economy; to build partnerships between businesses, government, and communities; and to assist businesses to grow, invest, create, and retain jobs” (tricountyedd.com).

Koffel retired from TEDD on Sept. 30, passing the torch to Deputy Director Frank Metlow. “Now is a good time to retire, a good time to make a transition,” said Koffel. “The best time to leave an organization is when there is a lull in the excitement.” Metlow said in a previous interview with the Statesman-Examiner that his familiarity with the organization and the region made him a natural candidate for the leadership position. “I have in-depth knowledge of all the projects TEDD is currently managing and have written or updated just about every plan that we currently operate under.” He added, “I have extensive experience in transportation and economic development planning and have managed several large, multi-million-dollar projects in the past. I also have a genuine love for our region, our staff, and the people we serve.

I felt that I was a natural fit and provided a seamless transition in the vital position of executive director.” Koffel served as executive director for TEDD twice. “The first time was from October 2015 through August 2018. The second time was from March 2020 up until my retirement. My duties as director were about being a coach and a head cheerleader. It is the team that does all the work. This job is more about the team than it is about me.” Koffel said his duties included working with the team to help rural areas in the tri-county region create strategic development plans. “These strategies are developed every five years. TEDD is a quasi-governmental agency with a board of 36 members. During the pandemic, we oversaw $3 million in grants and loans. Currently, TEDD is working with $25 million in the development of rural broadband.”

He added that TEDD is responsible to the Associate Economic Development Organization for Ferry and Stevens Counties, which includes business development and assistance. The organization also oversees the Northeast Washington Regional Transportation Planning Organization, which acts as a liaison for planning roads, rails, and airports. “TEDD is most visibly involved with small business engagements and tourism. This includes our Rural Opportunities Loan Fund and business support services, marketing our region, and maintaining the Northeast Washington Trails website,” Koffel stated. After working with Metlow as coach and mentor, Koffel says that it is now time to pass the reins.

“This is the first time in my adult life that I will get to relax,” Koffel said. “I will be able to spend time with my family and travel. I’ll get to be a granddad. I will have the time to figure out what’s next. I will have more time to fly my airplane, a 1947 Aeronca Champion. I have hangar space at the Colville airport.” The transition comes with mixed emotions. “Retiring from TEDD is bittersweet,” Koffel said. “The staff there are like family, and it’s hard to leave them. This has been a big decision. TEDD has a bright future, and I look forward to seeing where they go next.” He added that even though he is officially retired, he will be available to TEDD for the next few months to help with the transition.